NJS Bikes Explained

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4 жыл бұрын

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Hand-made by expert Japanese craftsman, NJS bikes are some of my favorite bikes ever produced. Fixed gear riders today still highly value and use NJS parts for their reliability and unrivaled finish even when higher performing gear is available. But what makes NJS bikes and components so special? Why are they so expensive? What does NJS even stand for? This is NJS bikes explained.
Timestamps:
1. What is NJS and Keirin racing? 1:11
2. What are NJS bikes/parts? 3:09
3. Why do fixed gear riders love NJS? 8:10
Fixie Famous Shoutout:
StanStrong108
Ryan Witt
Patreon Singlespeed Shoutout:
Carlos Flores
nicodache
@ffnivas
Barak S
Pat Bateman
Simon Newton
Gregory Tomlinson
Sources:
KEIRINグランプリ2016 レース. KEIRINMAG. KZfaq, December 31, 2016, • KEIRINグランプリ2016 レース
Connect with me:
/ strava
/ strava
/ zachygallardo
#steelisreal #njs #fixedgear

Пікірлер: 200

@chrislukes9037 4 жыл бұрын

If anyone here hasn't watched Keirin racing highlights (the original Japanese version, not the format adopted into the Olympics, etc.) they are awesome. Lots of tense, tight pack sprints and spectacular crashes.

@mahiru20ten 4 жыл бұрын

If only the olympics keirin are the same as the japanese ones...

@ZachGallardo 4 жыл бұрын

Timestamps, so you can watch this video like how you ride your bike: at your own pace. 1. What is NJS and Keirin racing? 1:11 2. What are NJS bikes/parts? 3:09 3. Why do fixed gear riders love NJS? 8:10

@stingerstv4434 4 жыл бұрын

hi, Zach greeting fram Sam happy to see my Panasonic njs trackbike in the video. cheers

@digs86 4 жыл бұрын

As an NJS rider for about 12 years now I thought I'd give this video a shot - and I really enjoyed it, spot on! - thanks for making it dude! (Hopefully this doesn't jack up the prices as they are still out of fashion here in the UK) Looks like you have a pretty solid crew in Taipei too! Nice - keep shredding!

@raiseyou 4 жыл бұрын

Good info on NJS bikes, and wonderful b-roll from of my favorite cities. I went to grad school in Taiwan and actually saw a few of the guys I used to roll with chilling in the background!

@Cube_Ernator1077 4 жыл бұрын

So looking forward to this Video, Zach!

@onewheelisbetterthan2 2 жыл бұрын

Bro you have taught me so much about fixed gear bikes in the last few weeks....thank you for your videos

@leeminho.4601 4 жыл бұрын

This is the Art of Fixed Gear, Thanks Zach for Explaining This To Us!

@johnmcclain3887 3 жыл бұрын

A rather interesting story on some special bikes, thanks for the history and show of quality workmanship.

@scottknapp8984 4 жыл бұрын

Love all your videos, but this one is your best. Great mix of scholarship and fun. Taipei 101 in the background is also a nice touch.

@drtoothpaste 4 жыл бұрын

NJS are beautiful bikes for sure, I know someone with 2 Samson frames. How about a bit more pictures or video of some new bikes you shot instead of re-used footage. I can never get enough of fixed gear bikes. Fun video as always.

@david_r_munson Жыл бұрын

I used to have an NJS frame, an Erba, and it was the best frame I've ever had. The geometry worked perfectly for me, and it had that perfect, springy feel that makes a good steel frame such a joy to ride. Unfortunately, it got destroyed when I got hit by a taxi in Korea, but I've never stopped wanting to get another, especially if I can find another Erba. Doing a full NJS build isn't for me, but the frames and a lot of the components are absolutely worth it IMO. Also, buying NJS stuff used is a great way to make the prices way more affordable. Buying on Yahoo Auctions from outside Japan can be tricky, but it's a great place to find the gear. This morning I was looking at NJS frames again and there were a lot of solid deals to be had.

@desohara7466 3 жыл бұрын

Very informative Zach, thank you!

@jerrygundecker743 4 жыл бұрын

Always learn something interesting on your show. Thnx.

@knarf_on_a_bike 3 жыл бұрын

Bought my first NJS frame, an Umezawa, this summer. I gotta say, it's the nicest bike I've ridden. Beautifully made, exquisite paint job, so smooth and comfy (compared to my last two aluminium track bikes). A real piece of functional art, I love riding it. One day I hope to have all NJS parts on it, but that will take time and money.

@richardharris8538 4 жыл бұрын

That was really interesting, Zach. I understand the liking for steel frames. I've had carbon, aluminum, as well as steel. I've just resurrected a 1980s Nikishi Landau, and it now has handlebar shifting. It's a really great ride, and fast too. I believe the frame is made from double-butted chromoly tubing.

@Abandon7d 3 жыл бұрын

fantastically explained - THANKS !!

@MVBriscoVolante 4 жыл бұрын

No mention of how they became a thing in sf in the 70s and 80s? They were cheap and couriers bought them up. Why? The yakuza used to ship drugs to Chinatown in sf and one way was to use their contacts in the grey market gambling industry to ship retired kierin bikes with drugs shoved in the tubes. They’d get to Chinatown, be extracted and then sold for pennies because they had to clear import and none of the importers wanted bikes lying around so poor couriers bought them up

@Herbivor7 4 жыл бұрын

Awesome I didn’t know that very interesting

@zinoviyhertz3441 4 жыл бұрын

wow, how did you find out about that?

@moviepedro 4 жыл бұрын

so cool

@ducatipaso1386 4 жыл бұрын

It was the '70s to early 80s dollar/yen exchange rate. The strong USD made NJS frames a bargain. Specialized manufactured in Japan before the exchange rates made them move production to Taiwan then China. Yakuza drug snuggling? hahahaha...

@MVBriscoVolante 4 жыл бұрын

Ducati Paso that’s some of it

@psgsnr7791 4 жыл бұрын

The NJS certification also comes from the insurance that the part/frame provider will be able to keep making/delivering the same part over and over. There are also some NJS frame brands which lost their certification due to failure of components. So NJS stamped parts despite the cost are meant to be used in quite harsh conditions without failing (since contact is allowed between riders, crashes are pretty common in Japanese keirin )

@psgsnr7791 4 жыл бұрын

@BeboSaab I am not saying these NJS stamped parts are better than anything else, I'was emphazising the fact they are supposed to be strong, long lasting and available over and over. Campanolo failed in the japanese keirin game because of what you talk about : protectionism. Though, their NJS stamped crank is known to be the less stiff of all the NJS cranks around (even worse than the Sugino 75 which is almost never used in keirin races)

@psgsnr7791 4 жыл бұрын

@BeboSaab You're the specialist!

@psgsnr7791 4 жыл бұрын

@BeboSaab Your hate for NJS parts is phenomenal!

@death2pc 2 жыл бұрын

You might recall one gruppo mfgr. could not cut the metallurgy mustard as it were for several decades before they were finally approved. Small wonder I've never used their crap......

@Marcus538 4 жыл бұрын

Nice, First time in 7 years I felt like upgrading my Kona Paddy wagon, havent looked at another bike since .

@mickchaganis6607 2 жыл бұрын

Just discovered your channel, really well explained video, thank you. Just getting into track cycling in the UK, I have a modern bike but currently building a vintage Merlin track bike, modified to take modern wheels, interesting to see how it is on the track compared to my modern bike......... One thing it will have is the element of 'cool' that is lost in the wind tunnel.

@yakimchuk Жыл бұрын

Thank you for this video. Wish you the best💗

@noice9709 4 жыл бұрын

Personally, I love completely handmade lugged steel frames. They're one of the highest forms of industrial art, and you could say that there's some of the frame builder's soul accompanying you on each ride. When it comes to Keirin racing, the only thing I'd like to see if clipless pedals, however, I guess they insist on slotted cleats and old-style pedals with clips and straps because you'll come out of them faster and easier during a crash.

@pennryan970 2 жыл бұрын

Awww good summary at the end, just as I was dismissing them you brought it back to the basic pitch of fixed

@airjackson7457 4 жыл бұрын

My Bridgestone NJS is an absolute joy to ride. They really are something special.

@joangregg4378 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the info. I'm gonna check my 3 Rensho

@williamwoody7607 4 жыл бұрын

I SMELL A NEW HOBBY!

@mikekilburn3552 2 жыл бұрын

Glad I came across this video I pretty much used Japanese products on my life Honda Toyota etc etc just because they always last longer than everything else. I'm into old frames and bike styles I like vintage and retro compared to the newer stuff. I'll look for one of these frames the next time I'm out and components of course. I've always ridden steel except one time and it was a felt aluminum and although it was a great bike you definitely felt (LOL pun intended) every bump crack in the road at least more over compared to steel. Steel last longer been around longer I think looks sleeker especially the welding.

@jeffburks4528 4 жыл бұрын

Great information! Now I want to ride a fixed gear bike

@RoomOnFire11 4 жыл бұрын

Really interesting! 👍

@jurepog 4 жыл бұрын

Amazing video! Is there a documentary about this I could watch? I'd love to know more and hear some stories :)

@mj897 4 жыл бұрын

Francois pervis supersonique...also bbc Chris hoy recently

@xeverettx2564 4 жыл бұрын

Plain yet elegant, pure beauty and class!!!! If NJS dies cycling dies. Track racing is like a ballet. If you’ve never seen one you could never understand! If you ever get a chance do not pass it up!!!!!

@event4216 4 жыл бұрын

Value is a perceived thing. One can easily decide modern TIG welded frames are better because they don't have added weight of lugs and are just connected stronger. In fact lugs should allow connecting a bit thinner tubes as contact area is much (MUCH) bigger than in a weld. So it comes down to which value system we represent - for people buying $100 complete bike and riding it 5 times for 5 miles a year strong lightweight frame is simply unneeded expenditure. But then also sports level bikes (track, road, MTB) - with specific geometry, with no mount points at all - to be used as a daily bike may not be most appropriate and elegant solution. For some reason people love going extreme, one or other side!

@event4216 4 жыл бұрын

It depends. If that 40 y.o. frame has landed on me for nearly free or has belonged to my dad or uncle AND is in great shape, without rusted-through stays, I'd use it for daily rides but nothing more. Buying same frame for $$$ or using it for racing or long trip - no way. Paying premium for a frame like Zach rides when Taiwan made 4130 frame is good and price allows even not to paint it? Huh?

@event4216 4 жыл бұрын

@BeboSaab It depends on usage. I'd feel nervous, leaving fancy frame locked on street while I swim or work. Decent 4130 on other hand, is nice enough to ride and wouldn't break my heart if anything happens to it. You know, theft isn't only cr@p that happens to bikes in a city - damage from jerks, collisions, salty road grime etc. I realise bike is just a bike, though.

@bennyjbenham 3 жыл бұрын

Got an NJS Gan Well Pro imported to Oz a number of years ago.I only look and admire it

@BS-uj2qc 3 жыл бұрын

Thoroughly enjoyed your explanation of NJS bikes and the background history - well done

@angeloa.lapizar8139 3 ай бұрын

I just love NJS bikes. The first time I saw one, I just knew I have to get one

@winterwilliams3149 4 жыл бұрын

Mostly on point, but a few quick thoughts: While Kaisei tubing is common, it's not required and other tubes are used. My Nagasawa uses Tange tubing for example. I've seen a few that use Dedacciai and Columbus also. Technically 3Rensho is pronounced San Rensho, but that's more a language thing than anything else. I think they're kind of an amazing value tbh. Used frames in good condition are easily found for 500-1000. Obviously they're a lot more new, but any domestic handbuilt boutique frame is going to cost just as much, and unlike the NJS frames, there isn't a huge used market for them.

@rollinrat4850 4 жыл бұрын

David Williams I recently built my own low trail 'rando' fork for my dirt touring bike out of Kaisei's ultralight blades. My friend built a frame set from it for a randonneuring bike that rides like a Cadillac, yet handles like a Ferrari! Ive never had a fork so comfortable and sharp steering at the same time! This fork rides so smoothly, I forget I'm not riding my MTBs with suspension forks sometimes and this with 35-40c tires on real back country trails. Awesome stuff, but Kaisei tubing is not cheap! Ive also had a few Reynolds, True Temper, Columbus and Tange Prestige bikes. All quite nice and hand made. But these particular Kaisei tubes are something special.

@JustSt3vinho 4 жыл бұрын

Really enjoyed this video. One question regarding your bike build: Why do you have two road bike brake handles but only one brake in front? I'm confused.

@qwertpoiuy430 4 жыл бұрын

Max Hillebrand just to have a better grip in the handles.

@rollinrat4850 4 жыл бұрын

Lots of people ride on top of the brake hoods. Just another hand position.

@juliancorona234 3 жыл бұрын

The brake hoods not only give you another positive but it’s also great for climbing and getting your weight over your front wheel.

@greengonzonz 4 жыл бұрын

Great vid.

@richardcarr6493 4 жыл бұрын

OMG I WANT THAT GREEN GOLD LUGGED BEAUTY AND THE PURPLE ONE :)

@vincro 4 жыл бұрын

Hey Zach, interesting Video! BTW: you pronounce campgnolo like cahmpanyolo :)

@Tokyomodeldetective 11 ай бұрын

great video

@renecarballo5831 4 жыл бұрын

Do a Review on the SELLE ANATOMICA SADDLE.

@bryanmartin9420 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks, excellent

@carloslopezcolon4387 4 жыл бұрын

I have seen those races in Tokyo is crazy

@colettithekid 4 жыл бұрын

They’re the prime lens of bikes.

@NickBandMjazzwoodtip 4 жыл бұрын

what is the water bottle holder brand??? 0:05

@RENEDU2 4 жыл бұрын

Bridgestone = Ishibashi 石橋 ( stone　＋ bridge) 　just sayin' ^^

@rdaviii6902 Жыл бұрын

What are those mudguards on your bike? I've been looking for something light weight

@dc.tm28 3 жыл бұрын

What's the name of that bike stand that just holds the rear axle?

@jojo_is_a_go5893 4 жыл бұрын

I’ve got a full NJS drivetrain on my Bianchi Super Pista. Love my bastard child but people take NJS way too seriously sometimes. I got a great deal on wheels and hubs and then later got a great deal on crankset with bottom bracket. Ended up accidentally being full NJS and people were up in arms that I’d dared to put these parts on an Italian frameset. Again. People were mad at the parts I put on MY FUCKING BIKE.

@ronaldweed4599 4 жыл бұрын

They are ART

@quoththeraven3985 3 жыл бұрын

I ride a 1970s Sekine, made in japan, 45 years old and just beautiful

@artcabrera4075 4 жыл бұрын

Interesting,ty

@stevenschenck7275 2 жыл бұрын

Interesting - I had no idea - The guy that bought my Sworks racer was a racer in Japan and he was moving to Cal with his new wife but could not bring his bike from Japan and now I understand why.

@JimJamDaMan 3 жыл бұрын

Never knew what NJS meant. Now i do and i need all of it

@roguecode2354 4 жыл бұрын

Nice, good info. I've seen some moderately priced used frames online, but yeah for the dream build your gonna have to wait a couple of years for your order. I have not seen you make a video specifically on bottom brackets. There is a lot of sizes and specifications and also why do some say to use retaining compound? no grease?

@BluW13 3 жыл бұрын

Impressive.

@johnnytyj1 4 жыл бұрын

Bro.. can you check out Manx T.T. bike.... make in brimingham England 1950.....very unique

@allanvillanueva7329 4 жыл бұрын

Make a bikecheck for steamroller plss

@Rot05 4 жыл бұрын

Basically NJS is similar to ISO here in the states. I don't know of any ISO bike companies. Reply if you do.

@thordurhallgrim 3 жыл бұрын

Do NJS parts fit normal bikes? (pedals for example)

@rolandulyuju 3 жыл бұрын

Yes